An 89-year-old man was injured and several people were displaced from their homes after a large fire in Brooklyn the afternoon of Sept. 27. According to News12 in Brooklyn, the fire started off 91st Street in Fort Hamilton in the second floor of the building. Firefighters rushed to the apartment of Richard “Richie” Martin, an 89-year-old Korean War veteran, pulling him out of the flames, the news outlet reported. One firefighter was hurt and Martin is in critical condition, according to News12.
Neighbors told the outlet that Martin was carried out through a window. Officials later confirmed that his cat was found dead inside. Neighbors described Martin as an animal lover and as a person who is beloved in the community. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Richard Martin. We wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Common Fire-Related Injuries
Residential fire-related injuries often include burns, smoke inhalation and falls during evacuation. Burns can range from minor skin damage to life-threatening deep tissue burns caused by direct contact with flames, hot surfaces or scalding liquids. Smoke inhalation is another leading cause as toxic gases like carbon monoxide can quickly impair breathing, leading to respiratory distress or unconsciousness.
In addition, attempts to escape can cause injuries such as cuts, bruises or fractures from broken glass, collapsing structures or falls while fleeing. Eye irritation and lung damage from prolonged smoke exposure are also frequent, sometimes causing long-term health complications. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and individuals with mobility challenges face higher risks of severe harm.
Property Owners’/Mangers’ Responsibilities in New York City
In New York City, property owners and property managers have a number of legally-required responsibilities to prevent apartment fires and protect tenants. They include:
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Property owners/managers in New York City are required under the law to provide and install approved smoke alarms in every apartment, typically within 10 to 15 feet of sleeping rooms, and also carbon monoxide alarms where required.
Self-closing fire doors: In buildings with three or more residential units, apartment entrance doors must be self-closing so they can automatically close and latch, which slows the spread of smoke and fire. Property owners/managers must ensure these doors are functional and not blocked.
Clear exits, fire escapes and pathways: All exits (hallways, entrances, roof doors, fire escapes) must be kept free of obstructions. Stairwells, hall paths, roof access and escape routes have to remain usable in emergencies. Fire escapes must be maintained in good repair.
Posting fire safety and escape information: Property owners/managers must post fire safety notices (including “escape plans”) inside every apartment door and in common areas, distribute them to new tenants, and annually.
Stove safety: If there is a gas stove and there is a child under 6 years of age residing, property owners/managers are required to provide stove knob covers to prevent children from turning knobs accidentally.
Maintenance of fire safety systems: Where applicable, fire escapes, sprinkler systems and other fire protection systems must be kept in good working order and inspected/maintained in accordance with applicable codes.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
Whether you have been living as a tenant at a private apartment complex or in a public housing unit (NYCHA) (the Projects), please remember that you have legal rights. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of dangerous conditions, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys with the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you. For over 54 years, our skilled attorneys have established a proven track record of assisting injured victims. One of our clients — a hot water burn victim — secured $750,000 in damages from the property owner and manager.
Our firm also obtained a $985,000 settlement out of a $1 million insurance policy for two people who suffered smoke inhalation injuries because the homeowner did not have smoke detectors installed and the $15,000 that was left on the insurance policy was for a person that we did not represent. Another of our clients recovered $2,500,000 due to a faulty space heater. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury, lead poisoning and medical malpractice cases including, brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) and cerebral palsy cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: https://brooklyn.news12.com/firefighters-rescue-89-year-old-korean-war-veteran-in-bay-ridge-fire